In response to queries from the McHenry Times about the Village of Prairie Grove’s approach towards illegal immigrants, Village President David F. Underwood clarified that the village has not initiated any discussions related to the immigration crisis at the Village Board level. He further emphasized that there are no existing policies in place.
“We have not discussed, at the Village Board level, any of the topics you inquire about,” Underwood told McHenry Times. “Therefore, the Village of Prairie Grove does not appear to have anything to contribute to your story at this time.”
Recently, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson sought assistance from suburban mayors for dealing with the city’s crisis involving illegal immigrants.
Burr Ridge Mayor Gary Grasso relayed Johnson’s plea, saying, “He’s asking us all for support, calling out the federal government.”
In a conversation with NBC Chicago, Grasso revealed that Johnson specifically requested support for increased funding needs for shelter and services for migrants and also expressed his demand from Washington.
Meanwhile, Glen Ellyn Village President Mark Senak disclosed during the League of Women Voters Glen Ellyn 2024 State of the Village Annual Meeting on Jan. 26 that their community was offered an $11 million state grant. This grant is intended to aid in permanently resettling illegal immigrants in Glen Ellyn. State Rep. Terra Costa Howard (D-Glen Ellyn) initially brought this issue into focus by informing the village about these available funds meant for this purpose.
The urgency of addressing this issue has been underscored by reports indicating that over 34,000 illegal immigrants have arrived in Illinois since mid-2022. Last fall, Illinois allocated $42.5 million in grant money for municipalities to house these immigrants. As of last fall, Lake County, Elgin, Oak Park, Urbana and Chicago had received grants from the state to assist with housing and other necessities. According to Capitol News Illinois, the state has allocated a total of $500 million for the care of illegal immigrants.
